Scare safely

By Alyssa Horrobin

With Halloween just around the corner, there is both excitement and concern in the air about door to door trick-or-treating.

According to a 2011 census from Statistics Canada, there are almost 70,000 children under the age of 15, many of whom are expected to be out on the streets collecting candy on Oct. 31.

Staff Sergeant Matthew D’Asti at the risk management department with Windsor Police Service offers a few tips for parents and children who will be out trick-or-treating on Halloween night.

“We remind people not to jaywalk…use the sidewalks if there are sidewalks,” said D’Asti. “Stay together in groups, stay with your friends.”

He also reminds those driving that night to go below the speed limit and allow for extra time to get to their destination to help improve the safety of children out walking the streets.

Lindsey Troville ensures total safety for trick-or-treating with her seven-year-old daughter.  Troville has taken her daughter out every year since she was a baby.

“I ensure she is visible to traffic and walks along the sidewalk, crossing only at street corners,” said Troville. “She is also aware never to go inside to get candy and to not eat anything unless we have checked it and given permission. We also don’t allow masks, which can restrict vision.”

Troville said proper education and safety awareness are very important on a night when kids are given permission to take candy from strangers.

There are also other options to being out on Halloween.

Children’s director at Windsor Christian Fellowship Jenn Iacobelli said the event they have been running for about 18 years was created for the community as a safe alternative to trick-or-treating.

The event is called Candy Lane and will feature bouncy houses, arcade games, face painting and a bag of candy for each child who comes.

“My favourite part of the night is watching the smiles on the kids’ faces,” said Iacobelli. “They walk away with the memory that Halloween isn’t just about ghosts and goblins, but a time to share with family.”

Online community calendars like the Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island Halloween guide highlight events happening on Halloween and the days leading up to it.

“There are dangers to it but like anything else, good judgement reduces the risk,” said Troville.

D’Asti says if everyone stays mindful about the extra people and especially young children who will be roaming the streets this Halloween, it will be a safe and fun night for everyone.